Apprentice Bricklayer Rhyllan Taperek to Compete in SkillBuild UK National Finals

Rhyllan Taperek, a Level 2 Bricklaying apprentice at Stoke on Trent College, has qualified for the national finals of the SkillBuild UK competition, a prestigious event showcasing emerging talent in construction.

Rhyllan began his education at Stoke on Trent College at age fourteen, studying Level 1 Construction Skills following elective home education. He has been familiar with the construction industry from an early age, having gained experience through his father, Simon Taperek, a College alumnus and owner of Kobra Construction.

Building on his prior exposure to construction, Rhyllan demonstrated a strong aptitude for bricklaying, leading to a first-place finish in the Guild of Bricklayers competition, where he competed in the senior category. He later secured third place in the national round of the same event.

Earlier this year, Rhyllan won the SkillBuild UK regional heat in the bricklaying category at Trafford College. He will now represent Stoke on Trent College in the national finals of SkillBuild UK, scheduled for 17–20 November at MK College in Milton Keynes, having placed among the top eight participants nationwide.

Rhyllan intends to pursue a Level 3 apprenticeship with Kobra Construction and aspires to become a site manager. He is working toward obtaining a gold CSCS card, which is required for supervisory roles in the industry.

Jenny Scrivens, Head of Apprenticeships and Skills, commented on Rhyllan’s progress:

“Rhyllan has consistently demonstrated high standards in bricklaying through both competition results and apprenticeship performance.

“The apprenticeship offer at Stoke on Trent College is focused on learners, ensuring they get the best employer to fit their career aspirations and skillset.”

Hassan Rizvi, Principal and CEO at Stoke on Trent College added,

“Stories like Rhyllan’s really resonate with our learners and the local community of Stoke-on-Trent, as it shows we are helping learners to be skills ready, future ready.

“We’re extremely proud of Rhyllan’s achievements to date, and are so excited that he will be representing Stoke on Trent College in the SkillBuild UK bricklaying finals.”

To find out more about all the different apprenticeships available at Stoke on Trent College, please click here.